Third graders at Emerson Elementary School got to experience a Japanese tea ceremony on May 17. Keiko Hidaka led a group of Japanese women through the 20 minute exercise. The children learned about the culture of Japan throughout the school year and then enjoyed taking part in this solemn ritual. All students and visiting parents were invited to taste the macha, or tea.
Before the ceremony started, the boys performed a sword dance taught earlier in the year by guest artist Reiko Hill. The girls then shared their version of “Sakura,” the cherry blossom dance.